Financial Aid: Students must complete 67 percent of all credits

Financial Aid: Students must complete 67 percent of all credits

For the 2011-12 academic year, new and continuing students alike must be mindful of the U.S. Department of Education’s updated Satisfactory Academic Progress policy, which went into effect as of summer, 2011. The policy requires the Office of Student Aid to monitor progression toward completion of a degree. In order to maintain financial aid eligibility, all students must complete a minimum of 67 percent of all the credits they attempt throughout their academic careers.

Attempted credits include all credits for which a student is registered as of the first day of any semester, (including any credits ever attempted, like nondegree coursework, as well as credits in students’ current programs of study.) Additionally, all students must complete their degrees before they have attempted 150 percent of the total credits required by their academic program. For example, the policy will allow 180 attempted credits for a bachelor’s degree requiring 120 credits.

This policy is inclusive of all Penn State students, regardless of whether or not they are current financial aid recipients. Students who need financial aid in the future may jeopardize their eligibility without realizing the consequences. Therefore, it is imperative that all students be aware of their academic progression.

For information about Penn State’s Satisfactory Academic Progress policy, visit the Office of Student Aid website http://www.psu.edu/studentaid/needtoknow/sap.shtml?reload, or email any questions through the “Contact Us” form.